FIRST-STRING Synonyms: 141 Similar and Opposite Words

first-string

adjective

ˈfərs(t)-ˈstriŋ

Definition of first-string

as in excellent

of the very best kind a first-string rendition of the musical piece

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of first-string After years of learning the techniques of a long snapper, Olson earned a first-string spot at the position for Orange Lutheran and joined the Trojans in 2015 as a walk-on player. — Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2026 Carrig most often is that man for the Heat, taking over first-string duties after Miami’s longtime official scorer, Peter Abraham, retired in 2022. — Fred Katz, New York Times, 17 Mar. 2026 The Colorado product will be expected to improve after operating as the team's first-string quarterback with Gabriel remaining in the NFL's concussion protocol. — Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025 Tustin’s first-string defense was just as overwhelming, holding the Vanguards to negative-16 yards in the first half while the offense built a 48-0 lead. — Dan Arritt, Oc Register, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for first-string

Recent Examples of Synonyms for first-string

Adjective

Simashev is excellent defensively and on retrievals and tilts the ice in his favor.

— Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
As far as pop stars who happen to also be thoughtful and excellent songwriters go, Kahan is in the upper ranks.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Lucasfilm hasn’t had a terrific year with its first film in theaters since 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker.

— Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Chisholm was shaken up after trying to field Dominic Canzone's infield single in the ninth, but the second baseman remained in the game and followed with a terrific defensive play.

— CBS New York Team, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of terrific

Adjective

Malgorzata Szumowska, Michal Englert) Aimee Lou Wood and Johnny Flynn are superb as Anna and Fyodor Dostoevsky in Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert’s acerbic and joyful period film.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026
Segovia produced a superb spin before firing into the far corner.

— Dean Jones, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

My lovely therapist even gave me a map of the feet at the end to help me decipher where best to apply pressure at home.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
This formula that not only acts as a deodorant, but imparts a lovely fragrance (and that's particularly appealing in the dead of summer).

— Kiana Murden, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of lovely

Browse Nearby Words

first-rateness

first-string

firth

See all Nearby Words

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“First-string.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/first-string. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of first-string

adjective

Example Sentences

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